Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice
These honey garlic chicken bites are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze. Served over a rich and creamy rice base loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is comforting yet elegant. Quick to make, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying weekend meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Creamy Rice:
1½ cups jasmine or white rice
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Chicken Bites
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
Stir well to coat the chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Prepare the Creamy Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
Assemble the Dish
Spoon creamy rice onto plates or a serving platter.
Top with honey garlic chicken bites.
Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips
Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Garlic Flavor: Add garlic toward the end of cooking the chicken to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
Sticky Sauce: Let the honey garlic sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken; stir frequently to prevent burning.
Rice Texture: Use a lid when cooking the rice to trap steam for fluffy grains.
Cheese Mix: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.
Make Ahead: The creamy rice can be prepared ahead and reheated gently, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.
Variations
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey breast, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle heat.
Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, basmati, or cauliflower rice for a lighter or gluten-free option.
Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or peas to the creamy rice for added color and nutrients.
Cheese Options: Replace mozzarella with fontina, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
Honey Swap: Use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness and flavor.
Herb Enhancements: Add thyme or rosemary to the creamy rice for an extra Mediterranean touch.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. The creamy rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream. Cook the chicken fresh for the best texture, or reheat fully cooked chicken in a skillet with a bit of sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute the cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk for the creamy rice.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for heat.
Q: Can I meal prep this for the week?
A: Yes. Store rice and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving and reheat gently.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4) – approximate
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 10 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Sodium: 670 mg
Values may vary depending on the exact types of cheese, honey, and chicken used.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and well-balanced dish. The juicy, sweet-savory chicken pairs perfectly with a rich, cheesy rice base, creating a satisfying meal that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. With easy ingredient swaps, added vegetables, or variations in spices and cheese, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.